J.D. Martin has a chance to pitch the Nationals to a series victory tonight at Turner Field.

ATLANTA — Here's something to brighten your spirits: By the end of the evening, the Nationals could have taken a series from the NL East-leading Braves.

It would require a victory tonight, but the Nats have to like their chances with J.D. Martin (who has allowed two earned runs or less in four of his five starts) facing Jair Jurrjens (who just came off the DL and has dealt with injuries to his shoulder, thumb and hamstring already this season).

For everyone wondering about the Alberto Gonzalez/Ian Desmond lineup debate: Gonzo is starting for the fourth straight game. He'll be at shortstop again. Desmond is on the bench for the second straight game. Same lineup from Jim Riggleman that produced seven runs last night, as a matter of fact.

The Red Sox are searching for a 2nd baseman until Pedroia is back. Why hasn't Rizzo traded Adam Kennedy for a bag of balls and a case of sunflower seeds?Seriously though, the Nats can get a prospect back for him while the Red Sox are in need.

Many people here and elsewhere have been clamoring for more playing time for Michael Morse. With a professional career dating back about 10 years and now with his third major league organization, what exactly is the knock on Morse as to why he isn't playing anymore than he is? He's been in the majors off and on since 2005 but it doesn't appear as if he has ever been a regular anywhere so what is it that seems to hold him back?

Jair Jurgens — an easy target just like Bannister, Floyd, and a number of other recent opposing starters who somehow managed to turn into Cy Young for a night. Here's hoping the solid defense and clutch hitting continues for another night. A series win would be awfully nice.

Kennedy's under contract for $1.25 million and through 2011 for another $500K. Pretty sure we'd have to send the Red Sox Kennedy, some cash, sunflower seeds and a bag of baseballs just to unburden ourselves. If you think they're dumb enough to actually throw us a prospect in return, then you haven't been paying much attention to the Red Sox lately.

OK Mark………. if you are correct about the goal for the organization and the purpose of this season….WHAT IS HARRIS AND KENNEDY DOING HERE? They are not part of any future are they? Does Rizzo really think Willie is going to "figure it out and Adam is going to get hot"? Kennedy's defense is beyond bad….they can not put him in the field so what is the point of keeping him or Willie on the roster this year?

Jayb – They trotted out Kennedy as a 1st base defensive replacement last night as they have before. How do they keep doing that especially with Morse on the bench.Maybe they want to show the Red Sox that he can back up Youk at 1st also. LOL

@Nervous Nats Fan: Pudge was off on Sunday, so tonight would be his third straight game. That means we (most likely) won't see him in the lineup tomorrow. Good for Riggs for sticking with this lineup. I'm glad AG is getting some playing time – his 4-4 last night is probably a fluke, but at least his defense is solid.

I find JayB complaining about the Nats not trying for the future ironic. This is the same moron who seriously said the Nats should start Pete Orr. What does Pete Orr offer in the future? Nothing. He is a bum. At least Kennedy has had success before.

in 2009 Adam Kennedy had an OPS of 758 on 529 at bats; this year he has 67 at bats; Guzman was 696 on 531 at bats. I think that the criticism of Kennedy on this board is way off base. He was signed to solidify the position which Gonzalez failed at but has not been given the chance to play regularly because someone thinks (wrongly) that Guzman is a good hitter.

On Harris and Kennedy (and Nieves): it does the organization no good whatsoever to have young players who they think can develop sitting on the bench. If they've earned a big league shot, they start (Bernie & Desmond). If they haven't yet, they're playing everyday in SYR or HAR (Espinosa, Norris, etc). The major league bench is for established veterans who have the discipline and the professionalism to sit for two games but then be ready when called on, and to not foul up team chemistry by whining. You can argue that Kennedy and Harris haven't justified a lot of playing time, but they are a big reason why this team's effort/chemistry is still great while 11 games under and in the cellar.That said, if a contender has any use for them whatsoever, Rizzo should move them.

Orr is a 10 day to 30 day solution at 2B because he does not choke like Kennedy and Harris and Guz. They need to stabilize the position just like they are doing with SS and Alberto.Rizzo need to make major changes to the 25 and 40 man rosters….Harris, Guzman, Kennedy have no future here and neither does Orr but he will turn a DB to win a game….What can you say about Harris and Kennedy when the game is on the line?

Anon, 5:57…darn good point and kudos also to NatinBeantown…..this one individual who constantly harps for Pete Orr at 2nd base and " major changes to the 25 and 40 man roster" is getting to be as tired an act as some of the nonsense coming down from Capital Hill ("We have to pass the bill to know what's in it"). Please,please, please…JayB…GO AWAY!!!!